Revitalising Rawtenstall’s nightlife economy is the next masterplan priority, according to the Valley’s tourism chief.

With phase one of the ‘Spinning Point project’ for the town centre getting underway, focus is now turning to the second stage of the project which aims to attract new businesses, restaurants and a cinema.

Phase one, due to begin in earnest this Friday, March 3, with the erection of hoardings around the site, will see a new £3.5m bus station on Bacup Road and partial demolition of the old town hall.

Hareholme councillor Andy MacNae, Rossendale council’s portfolio holder for tourism, told the Free Press he wants phase two to stimulate a ‘Ramsbottom-style’ high street resurgence to attract people into the town.

He said: “Rawtenstall is a great place to visit, you can come for a day out and to enjoy the many unique activities we have around the Valley.

“But phase two gives us more opportunities for expanding the food and drink scene, and evening and night-time activities to encourage people to stay.

“With Spinning Point phase two we’re going have new units created there, and they are ripe for the kind of businesses we are seeing springing up, like the Hop micro pub, with less of a focus on retail.